The seriousness with which the Government in dealing with climate change issues that are “likely” to adversely affect the nation in the future, was evident by its representation at Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meet on Friday.

Only one bureaucrat from the Indian embassy in Paris was present at the meeting to have a first hand experience and interacting with the international community at this meet where the IPCC presented its first report. “On the contrary there were 10 technologists and officials from China and all of them had studied the draft report thoroughly before coming for the meeting. This speaks volume about our preparedness on the consequences of climate change,” said Dr R K Pachauri, the India-born chairperson of IPCC.

Interestingly, though at least two Indian climate researchers were willing to go to Paris, they could not get the necessary clearances for travelling abroad, sources said. According to sources, their parent organisations could not sponsor them as there were no budgetary provisions to release a large amounts on a short notice.

“We don’t take forward views on climate change,” he said.

Severe impact

Climate change may severely impact India as the monsoon pattern is likely to go haywire with increase in drought frequency.

Also Himalayan glaciers are melting fast and the western cost including Mumbai and Mangalore may get inundated.